The BBC News channel was forced off air on Tuesday morning after a fire alarm triggered a sudden evacuation of the studio. BBC North East and Cumbria were preparing to broadcast their breakfast programming for Look North viewers when the alarm sounded.
Taking to Twitter, the regional news broadcaster apologised to viewers, stating: "The fire alarm went off just before our last breakfast bulletin which meant we had to evacuate the building. We will be back at 1:30 with the lunchtime Look North."
One viewer replied: "Hope all's OK. We were wondering what had happened." The incident comes as BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty and colleagues bid farewell to producer Kate Varley, who left the show after nearly five years.
Varley shared a photo on Twitter of herself on the iconic red sofa with Naga, Charlie Stayt, and Mike Bushell, captioning it: "Saying goodbye to this brilliant team this week. @BBCBreakfast thanks for an incredible 4.5 years - I'll miss you!" She added that she is moving back to Ireland to join @morningireland.
Naga replied: "You will be greatly missed. 1 more to go..." Fellow presenter Jon Kay tweeted: "We'll miss you right back! You've been brilliant on Breakfast, Kate. Thank you - and all the best at RTE." Weather presenter Matt Taylor also wished her well.
